Eye care (ophthalmology)
A community ophthalmology (eye care), service for patients aged 16 years and above is provided by Community Health and Eye Care (CHEC).
About the service
The service gives patients access to specialist assessment and treatment in the community from various locations to reduce the need for patients to go to hospitals for eye appointments. It helps patients with a variety of needs including (but not limited to):
- Flashes and floaters
- Red eye
- Dry eye
- Raised pressures
- Stable glaucoma monitoring
- Chalazion
- Papilloma/skin tag
- Watery eye
- Eyelid conditions (Ectropion and Entropion)
The service also supports cataract patients, providing the option of several accredited optometrists and ophthalmologists for post-operative cataract appointments from several convenient locations across Hertfordshire. CHEC manages cataract referrals and carries out the necessary approvals before making the onward referral to the patient’s choice of provider for the procedure.
Accessing the service
Patients can be referred into the service by their local GP, optometrist (optician), or hospital consultant. This direct route means that patients' care can be progressed quickly. Once referred into the service patients are assessed and then booked into community clinics or where necessary to a hospital eye service of the patient's choice.
Clinics
Clinics are delivered from GP practices in the community.
GP Clinics
St Albans & Harpenden |
Highfield Surgery, Jacob Court, 61 Russet Dr, St Albans |
Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.30pm |
Dacorum |
Highfield Surgery, Cambrian Way, Hemel Hempstead |
Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.30pm |
Hertsmere |
The Red House Surgery, 124 Watling Street, Radlett |
First Thursday of every month , 8.30am – 5.30pm |
Contact and other information
You can contact Community Health and Eye Care in the following ways:
Telephone: 03442 644160
Email: customerservices@chec.uk
You can find out more about Community Health and Eyecare, including a full list of Optometry practices participating in the post-cataract shared-care scheme, by visiting their website at www.communityeyecare.uk